In my high school, there was a hiking tradition. We were located close to two mountains, a smaller one and a bigger one. During freshmen year, as a class, we hiked the smaller one. From the top, you could see the taller and that represented what we had to look forward to, our high school journey and how we would grow during our four years of high school. During senior year, we hiked the taller one, and it represented our growth since freshmen year and how we were able to conquer great new things that seem impossible four years earlier.

Unfortunately, my senior hike didn't go so well and I didn't make it to the top. It was a terrible experience for me and it always bothered me that I hadn't reached the top of the higher mountain. After the senior hike, I decided that I hated hiking and hated that mountain and that making it to the top didn't mean anything anyway.

My first year of college changed my perspective and I decided to give hiking another try. I went back to the mountain even though I swore I never would and this time I made it to the top.It definitely wasn't easy, but once I was at the summit I was so proud of myself for pushing my limits and sticking to my goal that it was worth it. I decided I was wrong about hiking, and that even though there are moments where it gets really tough, and it is easy to want to give up and turn around, making it to the top and seeing what you are capable of it totally worth the struggle of making it to the top.

It's amazing to see what you can do when you set your mind to it, and it's awesome to see the hidden strength your body has when you push yourself. Plus, the view at the top is definitely worth seeing. Hiking helps you grow, physically and mentally, and all of these lessons can be applied to any area of life. So get out there, push yourself and see what you are capable of, maybe you will surprise yourself!